TEACHER TRAINING MODULE

NUTRITION II

NUTRITIONAL
DISORDERS
CHAPTER 1 - NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS

What are Nutritional Disorders?

Nutritional disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that arise due to

deficiencies or imbalances in a person's intake and utilization of nutrients.
They can impact people of all ages and social classes and are influenced by
various factors including diet, lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions, and
cultural practices.

They may be classified as:

1. Undernutrition: Occurs when there is an inadequate intake of one or more

nutrients, and /or when a disease such as persistent diarrhea disrupts intake
and metabolism. It is further subdivided into:

■ Multinutrient undernutrition in which the main signs are growth failure

and weight loss.
■ Specific micronutrient deficiencies, which cause specific clinical and
biochemical conditions. For example, iron deficiency is an important cause
of anaemia and affects cognitive development, vitamin A deficiency causes
xerophthalmia as well as impaired immunity, and iodine deficiency causes
mental retardation and goitre. Growth is not necessarily affected.
Both types of undernutrition often occur together

2. Overnutrition–Obesity and related diseases:

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat adversely

affects health and increases the risk of other diseases.
It is is caused by an energy intake exceeding energy
expenditure over a long period.
Excessive intake of calories, often from energy-dense but
nutritionally poor foods, over a long period of time can
lead to obesity.

Obesity can cause various health issues like

cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes..
CHAPTER 2 - OVERNUTRITION AND
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Nutritional disorders in children encompass a spectrum of conditions, from

undernutrition, historically more prevalent in poorer countries, to the
modern-day challenge of overnutrition.

In recent years however, there has been an increasing trend of overweight

and obesity in lower in middle income countries. This shift represents a
fundamental challenge in modern societies, where the abundance of
high-calorie, low-nutrient processed foods, (often high in sugars, unhealthy
fats, and refined carbohydrates) coupled with changing dietary patterns and
sedentary lifestyles, has contributed to a growing epidemic of health issues,
particularly in younger populations.

Measuring Obesity

High BMI and increased waist circumference, as markers of obesity, are

associated with a higher risk of conditions such as hypertension,
dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

BMI means Body Mass Index. It is a measure used to assess a person's body
weight in relation to their height.
This index provides a simple numeric representation of an individual's body
fat and is commonly used as a screening tool to categorize weight status
and potential health risks associated with weight.
The formula for calculating BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square
of height in meters (BMI = kg/m²)

Body Mass Index

Calculation

Height (m)2
For Adults, the categories based on BMI are typically:

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher

Example BMI calculation

Let's consider a person who weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 meters tall.

The formula for BMI is weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height
(in meters).

Weight: 70 kilograms
Height: 1.75 meters

So, in this example, the BMI of a person weighing 70 kilograms and

measuring 1.75 meters tall is approximately 22.85. According to the BMI
categories, this would fall into the "Normal weight" range, as it falls between
18.5 and 24.9.
BMI in Children

In children, BMI is interpreted a little differently.

BMI-for-age assesses a child's Body Mass Index in relation to their age. This
measurement takes into account a child's BMI and compares it to other
children of the same age and gender.

Impact of Obesity on Children

Cardiovascular Diseases

Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in

children. The excessive accumulation of body fat, particularly around the
abdomen, leads to hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and type 2
diabetes. These conditions not only impact a child's immediate health but
also have long-term implications.

Psychological and Social Implications

Beyond physical health, overnutrition-induced obesity brings psychological

and social challenges for children. Stigma, low self-esteem, and psychological
stress often accompany obesity in children, influencing their overall
well-being.

Addressing Obesity: A Holistic Approach

Addressing the challenge of obesity as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases

in children demands a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness
campaigns are crucial, aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices and
increased physical activity. Empowering families and communities to make
informed decisions about nutrition and lifestyle is pivotal in preventing these
diseases.

Additionally, policy changes are essential to create environments that

support healthy living, such as ensuring access to nutritious foods, promoting
physical education in schools, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy
foods to children.

Early intervention through healthcare systems, focusing on regular

screenings and counseling, can aid in identifying and managing risks
associated with overnutrition in children. Collaborative efforts between
healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and communities are
necessary to combat the rising tide of cardiometabolic diseases stemming
from overnutrition in the younger population.
In conclusion, obesity stands as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases in children, posing a threat to their current and future well-being.
Addressing this multifaceted issue demands comprehensive strategies that
encompass education, policy changes, healthcare interventions, and
community engagement to secure a healthier and more sustainable future
for our children.